Bell Of The Ball

Since the previous attraction blog post, Angels Flight, referenced a film location (we found the park featured in 500 Days of Summer), Offbeat Frontier decided to continue with the theme of uncovering "movie magic" with Hidden Gem #14:

The Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro

What great film could this be from? Speed? Money Train? Cool Runnings? Not even close, we are surprised that those would be your answers. Nope the Korean Bell of Friendship was featured in...

The Usual Suspects

Located at Angel's Gate Park (Fort MacArthur) in San Pedro, the Bell was given to the United States as a bicentennial gift from the Republic of Korea for fighting in the Korean War. We gave them eleven seasons of M*A*S*H*.

Modeled after The Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great of Silla

The complex has an amazing view of the ocean that makes it the visit even more tranquil.

The "Belfry of Friendship" (Ujeong-ui Jonggak)

So take a friend or enemy and feel the power of international friendship (in bell form)

How The West Was Fun

When thinking about the word Frontier, the mind tends to wonder towards the images of cowboys, wagon trains, Frontier Airlines and of course western movies. Outside of Hollywood, about 130 miles east (if you headed west you’d get wet) is the town of Pioneertown, CA home to a long standing western movie set.

Pioneertown USA

Founded in 1946, Pioneertown was built as set for western films where actors and crew could not only shoot, but live during productions. Such films include, The Valiant Hombre (1948), On Top of Old Smokey (1953 – with Gene Autry), and The Howling 7: New Moon Rising (1995). The set is still used today for films, commercials, and mostly likely for The Howling 8: Bad Moon Rising.

Sound Stage

The only Sound Stage left, might just have been a barn

and they put a sign up. We will truly never know, because it was locked.

Here are two clips from The Howling 8: Bad Moon Rising:

Clip #1: Howling Revealed

Clip #2: Comic Relief

Like most great things, a fire happened. Fortunately most of the set is still intact. On the weekends the locals put on reenactments and gun fights. There is even a cool and odd bowling alley for the kiddies. When you drop off the rug rats, drink your sorrows away at the dive bar Pappy & Harriet’s, which is know to have “the best Honky Tonk west of the Mississippi”. So apparently Dallas can suck it when it comes to “Honky Tonk”.

Pioneer Bowl: Bumpers are for City Slickers

Our Offbeat Explorers went on a weekday so there wasn’t much going on other than a Deliverance Hidden Camera Show. Was pretty sure that glass storeowner was going to skin one of us. Kind of creepy, but we had the town to ourselves, it was a blast.

"Marshall... watch out for him, he's plum loco."

So if you are near the 29 Palms area and want to experience The Hills Have Eyes, mosey on down to Pioneertown.

Oddly the tracks did not lead to a mine

Mane Street (in the west, no one corrects you)

Custom Saddles, you bet!

Interior of the Wagon Wheel Saloon

Journey To The Center Of Kansas

Journey to the Center of Kansas No Dorothy References Please

The city of Hutchinson, Kansas (referred as “Hutch” with the in crowd) is home to many of the Sunflower State’s treasures. The Kansas State Fair is held there, they have a municipal airport, and better yet a Sonic Drive-In. But it is 650 feet below where the true offbeat prize is stored. No, not Jimmy Hoffa, but The Underground Salt Museum. A museum underground, jackpot! The Underground Salt Museum takes the visitor through the wonderful world of a salt mine (still active a few miles away), touching on the history of mining, the folklore, and I guess some geology stuff.

Scene From You Only Live Twice?

Only 28 people can take the tour at a time, due to either a shortage of hard hats, insurance, or oxygen availability. You take a 90 second elevator ride 650 feet below in total darkness. Pretty creepy when you're surrounded by kids with no parental supervision. The Doors open and your destination reached. (which has an uncanny resemblance to a James Bond villain’s layer)

From there you take a tour of the tunneled out catacombs, along the way you see such "Mine Marvels" like a “Macgyver-isc” vehicle (apparently what ever equipment the miners brought down could not be brought back up for repairs, thus they had to be inventive), the guide shows you various mine shafts explaining the engineering techniques, problems, and life underground. If that wasn't enough to tickle your fancy, you even get some rock salt (Bangarang!).

Once the tram tour concludes you get to walk around and gawk at old machinery, cardboard cut outs, and better yet, well lit blocks of salt.

A Well Lit Block of Salt

The best part about this tour is that it’s not just about “science” (which can be cold and not call you the next day after a night out).

Because of the conditions inside the mine (the constant temperature and dryness) it is ideal for archival storage of film, television masters, props, and other semi-important documents.

The Underground Vaults & Storage currently house masters of The Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, and Star Wars. Unfortunately you can’t go into the storage area, but they have some other classic props on display: The weather device from Twister, Dorothy IV, or even this Cinema gem:

Mr. Freeze - Batman & Robin

Offbeat Frontier plans to visit this great attraction many times in the future, as it is one of five things to do when you are visiting your folks for the holidays. The other four involve playing the Wii.

More Pictures:

Film Storage, you bet!

Data Storage Evolution Exhibit or

Set Piece from War Games donated by Matthew Broderick

They told me there was a Salt Minotaur and that

I should not go exploring alone. I did as I was told.

Keeping it Classy Underground